Post by blu06 on Mar 28, 2010 20:55:10 GMT -5

I'm glad you're back home Bear. You're always the one who gives such support to so many of us with your kind and nurturing words. I know you've been a source of support for me during my time I've been part of the BluePride family. I hope there is someone near that can help you out during your recovery.

Being in my 50th year this year, (can anyone say middle middle age)... My doctor been checking my prostate for about eight years now. Now, that I've hit the big 50 I know his sights will be looking towards the good ole snake trip up the colon love tunnel... ;D ;D

But you know, my doc has been right on for the last thirteen years and kept me going, so I'm not gonna fight him when he brings it up. I think us maturing gents need to take an appreicative outlook that we are aware, educated and in this day in age, have the insurance via our careers to address these matters.

So, gentlmen, don't be shy... and Bear.. don't be too eager to get out of bed... rest and take it easy... You deserve a little pampering

Post by TheBear on Mar 29, 2010 4:26:19 GMT -5

OH WOW! Thank you BluePride, Mac, Carroll - EVERYBODY! - for the kind thoughts! And BluePride, where did you find a card with MY actual picture on it?

Gee... with all this positive support and encouragement, maybe I DO need to consider leaving my forest cave to go frolic in the sun in Florida! Here, I often go a week without seeing another human.

Okay (drum roll please...) this is the morning to remove the catheter. It's really a simple thing as long as one deflates the balloon holding it in the bladder first. ;D

And thanks again to BluePride for allowing me to advocate for health. Some of these tests and procedures are not "fun" in the traditional sense. (Bear scans the room for signs of playful interest in rubber, um, "accessories,") yet the tests often make the difference between a tail-wagging happy and healthy life compared to what my hospital roommate was facing. A colonoscopy a year ago could have made a BIG difference for him. Carroll and his partner Stephen can attest to the happier reality that early detection of a problem can make!

Anyway, I'll step down off my soapbox now. It's just that yearly physicals and timely exams DO change your life for the better. Just DO IT, folks. ... and then help yourselves to the cookies in the jar in the BluePride break room!

Post by TheBear on Mar 29, 2010 15:15:52 GMT -5

Hey Bear, when nobody's looking, you might want to sneak a cup of fiber into the cookie dough !!!

GREAT IDEA, Carroll! (I did sneak a cup of prune juice into the batter of Tommy's chocolate birthday cake recently... but don't tell him.) So, FIBER it will be in the BluePride cookies! We'll keep our BluePriders regular and smiling! Next batch coming up... chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies! I know how you were first in line the last time I made those, Carroll! ;D

Post by burner on Mar 30, 2010 1:11:18 GMT -5

So glad to hear the big Teddy Bear has come through with flying colors and is on the mend. The last couple weeks of commentary have provided...what's the word I'm looking for?...."interesting" reading. I'm tempted to say TMI (too much information) but, in reality, its something we should all know about. Thanks for the education and, more importantly, thanks for showing that one can keep an upbeat attitude even when facing a plumbing overhaul. Take care of yourself, big guy.

Post by TheBear on Apr 13, 2010 9:30:52 GMT -5

Hey BluePriders,

Well, this is why old Bear never gives you folks a break from my being on the bandwagon about getting regular medical checkups and such...

Yesterday was my two-week follow-up post roto-rooter prostate surgery. I had hoped by now there would be some improvement in the symptoms for why I went to the urologist in the first place. But, nope... plus now I am bleeding - a lot. Doc says to "be patient." As with most men regarding medical stuff, I want good results... and I want 'em NOW. ;D

Also, in the follow-up, doc wanted to review with me the pathology report that had come back from the tissue he cut away during the surgery.

As it turns out, I have early prostate cancer. Not sure yet how I feel about that news. Still "processing," as we psych types say. Although I did have all the basic medical training, I'm a psychiatric nurse - which is quite different from a medical/surgical nurse - so my training was more in the area of psych issues and the other use of the male "equipment" rather than the medical issues.

The point is, this was discovered as a result of regular check-ups and attention to doing something about signs and symptoms that something was not right. Prostate cancer is typically very slow growing and often can be addressed with medications and frequent PSA blood tests IF discovered early - which mine is. With PSA tests every few months, more aggressive intervention can be quickly taken, should the cancer accelerate, before it is too late. As doc said, "you can probably live with this for the rest of your life." I resisted expressing my thought that, yeah, everybody lives until they die... but how does this diagnosis affect that time line? Perhaps I wasn't ready to hear the answer.

Bottom line... GET REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UPS, guys and gals. Doing so can kick the can a LONG way down the road... before the can becomes a bucket. Besides, I need to be around a long time so I can continue to write this stuff with TMI. ... oh, and bake cookies for the BluePride break room!

Post by bluepride on Apr 13, 2010 11:34:31 GMT -5

Well, naturally, I'm really sorry to hear about this diagnosis. It's never a good thing to be diagnosed with any type of cancer. If there's any silver lining to this cloud, it's that prostate cancer is slow growing and especially if it is caught early, curable. For older men, a lot of times there is what is called "watchful waiting" because of the slow growth. But sometimes that isn't enough. Sometimes the men affected want to take the bull by the horns and have that violater to their body evicted and eradicated once and for all. And luckily, there are different options that can be used to do this. Bear, I suggest a second and third opinion, after you do some research on this trespasser to your body. There is a lot of information out there in books and on the internet. My advice is take your time and don't overwhelm yourself with tons of info. Take it a bit at a time and absorb the information you get.

They say that prostate cancer is the cancer to get if you're going to get any cancer, because it's pretty easy to get rid of and isn't as debilitating as other forms. Don't you believe it. It can be a nightmare. Thankfully, there are improvements being made all the time in terms of treatments, warding off side-effects, and cure rates. Not to belabor the point, but I'd get a second and third opinion as to options, treatments and all that. And a fourth opinion if you want one....or more than that.

I'm kind of concerned about that bleeding though. Did you have a biopsy done? Is there a stage yet, or a gleason score? These are things you'll need to know.

I'll be sending you a personal message regarding all of this. But one thing I know. You should deal with this ASAP, whether you decide on the watchful waiting, radiation, cryosugery, removal ( not recommended, but that's just my opinion, unless it can't be avoided) or some of the newer procedures to deal with this. I hope I'm not scaring you. And this is important: Never, but NEVER refer to the cancer as "my cancer". It's not yours. It's an invader, a trespasser, a burgler into the home that is your body. Don't own it. It's not yours.

Post by blu06 on Nov 14, 2010 2:02:14 GMT -5

Ok, Now that I am officially into my Fabulous Fifties as of Oct. 2nd. I knew that "the procedure" was in my short vision rather than down the tunnel (pun intended) .

Well, I had to go to the trusty doctor to renew my High Blood Pressure meds and low and behold he, goes, "Mac, you haven't had your annual physical." Of course, I dutifully remind him 'Oh doctor, I'm sure we had our "same-time-next year" date last March and this being November, well.. it was much too early to talk such talk". Being the artfully wonderful listener that my doctor is capable of being, he responded, "Oh, ok, we'll see you next week." UGHHHHH!

So, I make sure all parts are nicely trimmed and coiffed, toe nails clipped, generally presentable for inspection and off I go to my appointment. My doctor is truly wonderful and I trust his opinion completely, after all, he sent his son to the same Catholic HS as I graduated, so how bad could he be, right?

First he admonishes me for not taking care of myself, apparently, my blood test showed my blood pressure was ok but the fat is not only on my butt and tummy, but too much is also also in my blood. Bad Mac, too many tacos :-[

Serious low vitamin D levels as I apparently do not get enough sunlight. But doc, if I get too much sunlight, my skin will age and I'm really too pretty to have that happen .. blush, eyelashes...

And the kicker, if you lift anything heavy and don't breathe correctly, the bulge on my left side will really bulge and I'll wind up having a vacation recovering from my hernia repair operation. Oh, that's what you want to hear with a plastic gloved man holding the boys so investigatively...

The good news is that I've lost fourteen pounds since last year mostly due to the sleep apnea machine that allows me to breath without stopping and thus allowing my heart to keep pumping, thus allowing me to sleep, thus, allowing me to burn calories more efficiently the next day. The bad news is that those pesky fat thingys in my blood are beating up pancreas to the point I might as well consider myself diabetic and prescribed the pills.. Oh Great two more pills..

You think that would be enough, but oh no.. he saved the best for last... Looking at my folder, I sense avoidance here, and in a very medical tone, he said, "You're over fifty, time for your colonoscopy." Well, I never!, A man got to take a stand.. After all, I'm a Police Officer... Woof.. such is my thought and being so sure I'm right on target.

I told him.. Doc, I just turned 51 last month, I'm sure this "procedure" can wait a few months. It's not like I"m gonna fall apart today." Kicking that listening capability once more.. he said. "Oh, Ok, set up the appointment on your way out". Geeezzz no one listens to me... ever..

So, today, I picked up the prescription that was called in for me. I'm thinking a pill or two. but the very nice lady puts this big boxy thing on the counter. I'm going.. OH MY WORD.... "The pharmacist will like to speak to you.", the nice lady said smiling.. (they know me at this Walgreens).. I'm going.. What in the World.. I wanna go home now." The nice man explained what to do, what to expect, reassured me I'd be ok..." Talk about feeling like a deer caught in the middle of the hunt.

So, Tuesday is the day, I gotta be there at 6:30am and it all should be over by 8:30 (the nice lady at the Gastroenterolgy and Endoscopy Center said the procedure will take only fifteen minutes and I probably won't remember it.) Oh that makes me feel better.. just like date night....sighhhh !!!

So, if you all could say a prayer for me this Tuesday. I have a small family, just mom who's 87 and sis, 52 and her three daughters but they are in their 20s and each into their lives . So, since my dad passed, thirteen years ago, I've been facing all these types of events in my life pretty much alone. I know mom prays, but she's pass the days of being able to just jump into the car and give me a ride. Luckily, a co-worker will be able to drive me home Tuesday, so I guess I do rely on the kindness of strangers...

If anything that can bring reality to a person's mind is when health matters arise.

Post by TheBear on Nov 14, 2010 5:10:21 GMT -5

Ok, Now that I am officially into my Fabulous Fifties as of Oct. 2nd. I knew that "the procedure" was in my short vision rather than down the tunnel (pun intended) . (clip...)

Thanks for letting me vent.

Mac

Mac, you are a delight! Your posts are a treasure to read (Bear wags his tail happily!)

And, you say you are 51? OMG... you are just a puppy! From the more Chronologically Gifted, such as moi - and others such as our star-of-the-stage Thespian with youthful robustitude (can we say that on Blue Pride?,) our own dear Carroll - I would like to share some thoughts:

First, we HONOR you for doing the right thing about getting your annual physical. And, for requesting the follow-up procedures without any prompts from that medical type (your doc) who always seems to have one raised eyebrow when reading your chart and knows precisely how to allow you to pro-actively choose to request "the procedure." Amazing how you have the prescience to know and request what orders the doc needs to write for you! WOW!

Seriously, please know "the procedure" is important. It has been some time since we discussed this on Blue Pride. Perhaps for the benefit of our new members as well as our treasured guys AND GALS who have turned the magic "50," Carroll will share what a difference "the procedure" made for him and his beloved Stephen. Carroll?... would you please share? It's time for our new folks and older members of any age to be reminded of your story. Thanks!

And, for our wonderful Blu (Mac)... once the prep is done, the rest is a breeze. You won't remember a thing and you will feel great! (Truly, everyone reports they DO actually feel GREAT... and HUNGRY, after they wake up.) Please DO report back to us when you get home!

Post by prydeguys on Nov 14, 2010 11:26:40 GMT -5

Hi Mac. I had been after my hubby for two years to do the "procedure". He kept putting it off until I finally put my food down. I almost had to drag him there. When they did the test, they found a polyp and cut it out. it turned out to be cancerous. We were lucky because it had not yet spread. Having the "procedure" saved my partners life. From now on, he has to have the test every year, and I don't care how much he bitches about it, I'll drag him there in cuffs if I have too. Everyone over 50 needs to have this test. It saved Stephens life, and it just mights save yours.

Post by blu06 on Nov 14, 2010 13:00:38 GMT -5

They will cut out a polyp during the procedure as well? Will that cause any discomfort afterwards? You know pain is one thing, discomfort.. well, that's a whole different matter to bitch about.. I'm such a wuss.

I did forget to report that the PSA test came back perfect and it was coupled by a very touchy feelly physical test... It was a test, wasn't it?

So, the prostate seems to be doing well. The doc asked me four times if I got up during the night to "drain the dragon", his term But no, when I hit the pillow, I sleep till 6:00 am, my usual wake time. I guess a small gift on the outside renders a small gift on the inside. .

Post by TheBear on Nov 14, 2010 15:38:10 GMT -5

Hey Blu,

Well, I'm not a licensed Keister-ologist butt but, yes, while they are admiring the landscape, if the head gardener sees an errant sucker, he will lop it off with pruning shears. Not to worry, it doesn't hurt and I've never heard about the times they had problems removing the fully-opened pruning shears (or limb saw) from the, uh, garden path.

I'm guessing that you will be delighted to autograph a presentation copy of The Procedure DVD to be placed in the "Whistle Clean" section of the Blue Pride Library? ;D